Blue Wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus
Estimated Abundance in the Kruger Park: 6400-13100 (2010)
Status: Not endangered.
Mass: ♂ 170-290 kg; ♀ 140-260 kg.
Shoulder height: ♂ 1.3-1.5 m; ♀ 1.2-1.4 m.
Distinguishing features: Head long and broad with blunt muzzle and black beard. Shoulders higher than the hindquarters. Neck arched with an erect, black bristling mane running down the back of the neck, and black hair extending along the throat. Head bowed while moving about.
Life-span: ± 15 years.
Predators: Main predators include lion, crocodile and spotted hyena. Young fall prey to wild dog, leopard and cheetah.
Kruger Park distribution: Found in suitable habitat in ecozones A (Mixed bushwillow woodlands), B (Sourveld), D (Thorn thickets), E (Thorn veld on gabbro), F (Knobthorn/marula savanna), G (Delagoa thorn thickets), I (Lembobo Mountain bushveld), J (Thorn veld on basalt), K (Stunted knobthorn savanna), L (Mopane shrubveld), N (Sandveld communities), O (Tree mopane savanna) and P (Mopane/bushwillow woodlands) of the Kruger Park. Scattered herds are found north of the Olifants River. South of the river, three major areas of concentration are found: in the Mavumbye/Gudzani/Bangu region northeast of Satara; between the Sweni River and Mlondozi Dam (about 10 km north of Lower Sabie), and on the open plains between Lower Sabie and Crocodile Bridge. Smaller populations occur at Orpen Gate and in the Pretoriuskop area.

© Toko
H1-8

© Lisbeth
H4-2 Just before Croc Bridge

© Flutterby
H10

© harrys
Near Mopani

© Bush Brat
S100

- IMG_5225 (800x533).jpg (75.59 KiB) Viewed 1977 times
© nan
Tihongonyeni

- 1O4A5019.jpg (138.26 KiB) Viewed 1955 times
© Dindingwe
H1-6

- blue widebeest s25.jpg (113.14 KiB) Viewed 1937 times
© Leachy
S25

- BW S25.jpg (56.31 KiB) Viewed 1926 times
© Pumbaa
S25

- wildeb.jpg (257.34 KiB) Viewed 1918 times
© ExFmem
Lower Sabie Area

- w.jpg (118.53 KiB) Viewed 1914 times
© Richprins
Orpen

© Bookworm
Satara Area